Half in the Bag

In the post Roger Ebert era where proper film criticism is few and far between, Half in the Bag is one of the funniest and most insightful film review shows on Youtube. A comedic spin on the traditional film review format, Half In the Bag blurs the lines between sitcom, satire and film discussion. The setup is thus, Mike and Jay are employees/owners of a business called Lightning Fast VCR Repair. Seemingly their only client is Harry S. Plinkett, a blind, aging, senile old man, who is somewhat oblivious to their inability to do their jobs productively and competently. Mike and Jay take advantage of Plinkett, by using their time to bum around and discuss films.

The fictional narrative that is wrapped around the reviews gives the presenters leeway to satirize the films they are reviewing. One of the most notorious examples of this is their review of the film Movie 43 where they describe various jaw droppingly disgusting scenes while hailing the film as a masterwork of comedy. Upon closer inspection it is clear the reviewers are deliberately making these scenes up with scenarios that are more horrifying than funny.

Perhaps their most infamous and best moment then is their review of Jack and Jill. The review is a breathtakingly monumental takedown of Adam Sandler's film career covering everything from the non existent humor to the outright disturbing level of product placement. Mike then assesses that the film seems to have been made soley as a front for embezzlement between Sony and its associates. Jay -citing the minimum level of effort in the production- then questions whether it should even be called a film.

Half in the Bag is written and produced by Red Letter Media, a production company that is most well known for the highly acclaimed and terrifyingly well informed Star Wars Prequel reviews which collectively make up one of the finest reviews ever assembled on the Internet. In Half in the Bag, Red Letter Media finds a worthy successor and provides proof that quality film criticism will survive the demise of the publishing industry, and the onslaught of studio funded reviews.

The guys at Red Letter Media know two things: movies - from David Lynch to Michael Bay - and comedy. Half in the Bag, one of RLM's several media ventures, is a movie review show that features comedy skits, great homemade sets, and simple - but effective! - special effects. Mike Stoklasa and Jay Bauman are the hosts of Half in the Bag, two Milwaukee natives with a shared love of beer and movies. They are often joined by their jovial friend with the crazy laugh, Rich Evans, and host of colourful side characters (such as the Emperor from Star Wars).

Half in the Bag takes place in a weird reality where aliens, ghosts and sex robots are not uncommon. Mike and Jay play VCR repairmen who barely work and love taking advantage of their elderly client, Mr. Plinkett (Rich Evans). They exploit old man Plinkett for his house, money, booze, and medication. When they're not in their VCR repair shop or being pursued by government agents, the guys film Half in the Bag in Plinkett's living room. They usually review two current movies per episode, though some movies occasionally require their own episode (see The Dark Knight Rises, Prometheus).

The show is defined by it's fantastic wit, insane humour (ranging from dry to completely bizarre), and genuinely insightful views on movies and the film business. Whether discussing an indie film or the latest comic book blockbuster, Mike and Jay always have something intelligent to offer. Episodes such as '#40: Sinister and Paranormal Activity' and '#21 Jack and Jill' are prime examples of the hard work that goes in to the production of Half in the Bag; wacky plot lines, legitimate actors, sets, special effects - these guys go above and beyond to deliver a great review and an entertaining show.

I'd recommend Half in the Bag to anyone who loves movies, unusual comedy, and drinking beers with their friends. If you're an alien and you don't like any of these things, there's always Rich Evans' laugh.

I watch this show every day. Can't get enough of it. Mike, Jay and Rich are incredible and their good dry humour makes it work in this comedic sketch review show. Great studio set up there guys!

Simply put, it is the definitive work of the 2010's.

I started watching Half In The Bag 2 years ago. Watching the channel grow has been a true pleasure since this is by far the most hilariously inappropriate yet also professional blend of comedy gold and satire.

The set-piece of "Lightning fast VHS" is a brilliant addition adding a lot more creativity than your average YouTube channel that deem their reviews to be "hilarity's". We follow Mike and Jay, and Mr.Plinkett, an otherwise unsettling and sinister old man who like to make love to his pets and abuse hookers. Mike and Jay both play the parts of VHS repair men looking to extort money from Mr. Plinkett by attempting to repair his VHS. Those Female Russian Terminator tapes ain't gonna watch themselves you know! I wont go into a lot of details, since you really have to watch this show to enjoy and admire its sheer levels of comedy that make you question "Why is Adam Sandler so rich, when these guys are far more hilarious?!". Speaking of that con-man, I would advise starting with the wet yourself.

One last note also - Rich Evans is a majestic human being. Every street corner should contain at least one Rich Evans. His laughter is like butter to the ears...

Love it! 10/10